Major Theater Chains Drop ‘The Interview’ — Will It Make Its Premiere On VOD Platforms?

By this morning, at least one of the nation’s major theater chains, Carmike Cinemas, had made the bold choice not to screen the upcoming Seth Rogen and James Franco-starring comedy, The Interview, which has caused plenty of controversy in recent weeks given its premise: two American entertainment newsmen venture to North Korea to interview — and assassinate — Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. Usually this kind of press only bolsters a film’s success at the box office, but given that five other major chains have also refused to show the film, it’s going to be difficult for The Interview to pull in any money at all.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Regal Entertainment AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, Bow Tie Cinemas, and Cineplex Entertainment have joined Carmike Cinemas in shutting out the film a week ahead of its scheduled Christmas day opening. This follows Landmark Sunshine Cinema’s cancellation of the film’s New York City premiere Thursday evening. A Regal representative states, “Due to the wavering support of the film The Interview by Sony Pictures, as well as the ambiguous nature of any real or perceived security threats, Regal Entertainment Group has decided to delay the opening of the film in our theatres,” making clear the thinking behind the company’s decision.

All of this comes after a hacker group called Guardians of Peace leaked emails sent to and from Sony Entertainment execs (including Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Amy Pascal) to top producers, directors, and even US government officials. The group, which North Korean officials state are not funded by their government, have threatened 9/11-level attacks on theaters that show The Interview, causing much concern about the safety of theatergoers and the film’s cast and crew. (Rogen and Franco have cancelled all press appearances attached to the film.)

Sony has not yet announced what its plans are, but common sense suggests that the studio release the film through VOD platforms — and they better do it fast, as The Interview is still scheduled to hit theaters in just a week. While the chances of anyone rushing out to see the movie on Christmas Day are slim to none, it would be a game-changing coup for Sony to release this big holiday blockbuster on streaming platforms. My guess is that they’ll do it, and they’ll be able to use all of this bad press for their benefit. Odds are, the studio will be able to get more eyes on the film by allowing audiences to stream it at home rather than trek to a theater — especially when one will be hard-pressed to find a theater that will actually be screening it. (UPDATE: Variety is reporting that Sony is currently “weighing” this potentially precedent-setting decision.)

So, what do you think? Would you watch The Interview at home, and how much would you pay for it?